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First-round leader Thompson fired a six-under
66 in the shadow of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway but was
chased down by twice major champion Ko, who shot a 64.
The pair were on a 15-under total of 129 in the three-round
event which finishes Saturday to give players more time to
prepare for next week's Evian Championship in France, the
season's final major.
They held a one-stroke lead over Taiwan's Candie Kung, who also
shot a 64 and was three strokes clear of South African Ashleigh
Buhai. "I'm never going to complain with a six-under-par round,
but I didn't really focus on anybody else like Lydia,” said
Thompson, who went bogey-free and is looking for a second
victory of 2017.
"I know she played great today, but I was just trying to go out
with the same mindset I did yesterday and make sure I did my
routine and commit to my golf shots."
Ko, who was world number one for 85 consecutive weeks before
ceding the ranking in June, caught fire on the front nine where
she made five straight birdies.
The 20-year-old New Zealander appears on the verge of ending a
prolonged slump which has seen her without a victory since her
Marathon Classic win in July, 2016.
"I felt like there were a lot of positives and a lot of good
things going on but I just couldn't put it all together,” said
Ko of her form struggles.
"This week, the last couple of days, I've been able to hit it
pretty good and make some good putts and that's what I've kind
of been lacking the last few months.”
Americans Cristie Kerr and Amy Olson are tied in fifth place on
10-under, five behind the leaders.
(Writing by Jahmal Corner; Editing by Ian Ransom)
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